Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546262
MALTA and Gozo have re- corded no successful sea tur- tle nests this year, in what marine biologist Alan Deidun says should not be viewed as an isolated Maltese phenom- enon. Earlier this week, Nature Trust Malta announced the end of the turtle nesting sea- son; which this year resulted in no successful nests. Deidun said the number of nests had also fallen sharply across the western and north- ern Mediterranean, suggest- ing that broader environmen- tal changes may be playing a role. "It is not a Maltese phenom- enon," Deidun said. He pointed to Italy, where turtle nesting numbers have also dropped significantly. By this stage of the season, Italy would normally have re- corded more than 500 to 600 nests, he said, but this year the figure stands at just over 250. "So, it went down by more than half," Deidun said. SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2026 • ISSUE 107 • PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY gozotoday CONTINUES PAGES 6-7 €1.00 Personal Loans NEW BOAT? All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond re rement age. Issued by Bank of Valle a p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valle a VLT 1130. Bank of Valle a p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). Compe ve Interest Rates Marine biologist warns climate change is 'wreaking havoc' Gozo Channel: 150,000 passengers carried during Santa Marija week LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt READ STORY PAGE 3 Close to 54,000 vehicles crossed between Malta and Gozo during the eight-day Santa Marija period, with Gozo Channel operating more than 800 ferry trips Nature Trust has announced the end of the turtle nesting season with no turtles recorded, while marine biologist Alan Deidun warned that the situation should not be viewed as an 'isolated Maltese phenomenon' MALTA AND GOZO RECORD NO TURTLE NESTS: Despite observing turtles attempting to nest, no successful nests were recorded by the close of the nesting season. Inset: Alan Deidun (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)